A BOY suffered a 'potentially broken nose' after he was punched in the face in "unpleasant and unprovoked" assault.

Police have launched an investigation following the incident in Poole on Tuesday, February 9.

Sometime between 3pm and 3.30pm, the 13-year-old victim was walking along Brampton Road with another boy, who was riding a bike, when they were approached by boy, described as being aged around 15.

This boy followed the pair until they got to Somerby Road, where he forcibly asked to go on the bike before grabbing hold of it.

The victim intervened and pushed the boy, allowing the other child to cycle away. It is reported that the boy continued to follow the victim along Brampton Road and a short time later he punched the victim in the face.

The 13-year-old sustained swelling and bruising to his face and was taken to hospital for treatment to a potentially broken nose.

Police said the boy is described as white, aged around 15 years old, around five feet two inches tall, with blond hair, blue eyes and a pointed chin. He wore a shiny grey coat with dark-coloured trousers and dark-coloured shoes.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

PC Elliot Penn, of Dorset Police, said: “This was an unpleasant and unprovoked incident that has left the boy and his family understandably shaken and upset.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of Brampton Road at the relevant time and either witnessed the incident or saw a man matching the description given to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask any residents or motorists in that area to check their home CCTV or dashcam footage in the event they captured anything of relevance.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210023851.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.